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Peter Goldmark, of Newsday, is a new MCT op-ed columnist. (MCT)
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Chocolate desserts make Valentineā¢s Day a little sweeter. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)
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A staffer on the Cass Scenic Railroad checks the historic Shay steam locomotive. The historic hamlet of Cass, W.Va., is a state park and attracts 75,000 visitors a year. (Bob Downing/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)
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A child balancingl between two sets of parents. (Mark Hoffer/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)
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Cotton asymmetric hooded cardigan in burgundy, $29.95; exclusively at H&M shops, Manhattan. (MCT)
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These double-sided tribal earrings, $5.95, are replicas of the earrings worn by Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo;" exclusively at H&M shops, Manhattan. (MCT)
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The "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" look is all about layers, so why not slip into this Material Girl vest, $44; only at Macyās stores. (MCT)
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The holiday season generates a lot of paper waste, but making a switch to alternative materials that are more Earthy-friendly can still give festive holiday wrappings. (Tom Sweeney/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT)
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Dawson and Landon Lawrence play in their home in Imperial, Missouri, on November 20, 2011. The family knew that Dawson would be born with Down Syndrome after a blood test during pregnancy revealed the condition. (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)
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Chef Chris Koetke demonstrates how to carve a turkey away from the dining room table. Here, he cuts into the breast. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune/MCT)
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For your Thanksgiving feast, matching the food and the drinks can be a key to success. (Stephanie S. Cordle/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)
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A few crafts to make your holiday table special include a hand made place card. (Stephanie S. Cordle/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)
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Lye is the key to a top-notch homemade pretzel; pinch to connect the ends to form the pretzel. (Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
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Danielle Bruflodt, from left, Christina Holm Sandok and Katie Najjar browse products brought to a beauty product exchange in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 27, 2011. (Joel Koyama/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT)
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Versatile apple cider can be used in recipes sweet and savory, including this recipe for root vegetables roasted with apple cider. (Patricia Beck/Detroit Free Press/MCT)
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"No More Waity, Katie." A soft, elegant greige shade with a splash of lilac glitter is the perfect marriage to combine fashion and fun. (Courtesy butter LONDON via Los Angeles Times/MCT)
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Fitness trainer John Benz, right, demonstrates how to do an assisted pull-up with Brett Pruitt. (Jim Barcus/Kansas City Star/MCT)
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Malted Butterscotch Bars is a recipe from the book "Beyond Delicious: The Ghost Whisperer's Cookbook" by Mary Ann Winkowski. (Karen Schiely/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)
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Freshly-picked honey crips apples sit in a crate at Erwin Orchards in South Lyon, Michigan, on September 13, 2011. (Susan Tusa/Detroit Free Press/MCT)
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This detailed view of various salsa recipes includes (clockwise from top right) Pretty and Peppery Salsa, Spicy Fruit Salsa and Pico de Gallo. (Johnny Andrews/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)
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Erica Wren shows the first major piece of artwork she bought for her home in Leawood, Kansas. Having original art displayed in a home can set decor apart from others. (Allison Long/Kansas City Star/MCT)
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DTE Energy analyst Laurie Payne of Rochester Hills, Michigan, sits on a balance ball chair. (Patricia Beck/Detroit Free Press/MCT)
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Fresh veggies make for a delicious zucchini salsa. (Ed Haun/Detroit Free Press/MCT)
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Cassandra Ray is shown after her consulting with a fashion stylist. (J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)
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Pickles have never been easier, thanks to the resurgence of interest in pickling and preserving produce. Here, pickled peppers, from top, zucchini, and onions are featured at studio in Walnut Creek, California, July 28, 2011. (Susan Tripp Pollard/Contra Costa Times/MCT)